French ace Perec named Bengaluru's 10K run ambassador

French sprinter Marie-Jose Perec was on Thursday named the International Event Ambassador for the TCS World 10K run to be held here on May 18.

Fondly known as 'La Gazelle', Perec won gold medals in 400 metres at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics where she also won the 200m sprint. She has to her credit 400m gold medals at the 1991 and 1995 World Championships.

In recognition of her contribution to sport, Perec was awarded the 'Officier de la Legion d'honneur' by French President Francois Hollande in 2013 and was also inducted in the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Hall of Fame in the same year.

"While I can proudly admit that the track has been my forte, it is a pleasure to know that cities and countries are celebrating and embracing the joys of road racing. Road racing has the unique ability also to build a strong sense of community and in that, there is a joy that makes it even more appealing to communities at large," Perec, who retired in 2004, said.

"I look forward to standing at the start line of the World 10K Bengaluru with all the enthusiastic runners, to cheer them on and wait at the finish line to celebrate their sense of accomplishments. Namaste India, let's get our feet on the street!"